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"It's about enjoying the experience as much as the football," he said of the upcoming trip, where the team will also likely get the chance to meet some All Blacks who are known to pop into the event to check out the future talent.

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Matauri Bay's path to the nationals began by winning all three games in the opening regional tournament at Taipa.

They progressed to the provincial finals in Kerikeri which were held in the last week of Term 2 where, they finished second in their pool with wins over Paparore and Otangarei along with a loss to Hurupaki from Kamo.

Matauri Bay then beat Totara Grove, highest qualifier from the opposing pool, in the quarter-final and Hurupaki in the semi-final, gaining some revenge for the loss in pool play, and defeated Mangawhai Beach in the final 9-7.

It is the third time at the nationals for Nordstrom, having taken a team representing the east coast kura to the 2015 championships. Playing during the Rugby World Cup, Matauri Bay was elected to represent Canada, which Nordstorm said wasn't as much of an honour for most as playing for Northland.

Only one player remains in the team from that side — Moana Rush — who was a Year 3 student when she played the 2015 final of the Year 5/6 tournament.

The daughter of well-known Whangaroa rugby identity Robert 'Bru' Rush, Moana had developed into a player of real potential and would captain the side at this year's tournament, Nordstrom said.